A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after being rescued from a semi-submerged car last night.

It is understood that the woman is from Limerick and was visiting friends in the Ballylongford area of Kerry – an area she was not familiar with – when her car became submerged on the shoreline.

Rescuers from the Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue Service and a Coast Guard helicopter from Shannon took part in a search when news that the woman was in difficulty was relayed at approximately 7.15pm.

It is understood she was taken from the car – which was semi submerged in the sea at Asdee – suffering from shock and hypothermia, but is expected to make a full recovery.